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Generalization Strategies in Finding the nth Term Rule for Simple Quadratic Sequences
- Source :
-
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education . Aug 2020 18(6):1105-1126. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- In this study, we identify ways in which a sample of 18 graduates with mathematics-related first degrees found the nth term for quadratic sequences from the first values of a sequence of data, presented on a computer screen in various formats: tabular, scattered data pairs and sequential. Participants' approaches to identifying the nth term were recorded with eye-tracking technology. Our aims are to identify their strategies and to explore whether and how format influences these strategies. Qualitative analysis of eye-tracking data offers several strategies: Sequence of Differences, Building a Relationship, Known Formula, Linear Recursive and Initial Conjecture. Sequence of Differences was the most common strategy, but Building a Relationship was more likely to lead to the right formula. Building from Square and Factor Search were the most successful methods of Building a Relationship. Findings about the influence of format on the range of strategies were inconclusive but analysis indicated sporadic evidence of possible influences.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1571-0068
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1259243
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-019-10009-0